SC S0775

Expands prohibited conduct against police dogs and horses to include administering desensitizing drugs, interfering with the animals, shooting cars while the animal is inside, and hitting animals while running in pursuit

Increases misdemeanor penalties for taunting, tormenting, or teasing police animals from $500-$1,000 fines and 30 days to 6 months imprisonment to $2,000-$5,000 fines and 30 days to 5 years imprisonment

Elevates penalties for torturing, injuring, or killing police dogs or horses to a felony with fines of $2,000-$20,000 and 2-10 years imprisonment (previously 1-5 years)

Requires mandatory restitution to the law enforcement agency covering full replacement and training costs for injured or killed animals, plus potential sentence of one year of animal-related community service

Explicitly preserves the right to assert self-defense as a legal defense against charges under this article